Journal with Witch (2026)
A quietly moving anime about grief, guardianship, and two very different people learning to call each other family.
Journal with Witch - Series Information
- Original Title: 違国日記
- First Air Year: 2026
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: January 4, 2026 (United States - TV-14), January 4, 2026 (France - 12), January 4, 2026 (Brazil - 12)
- Networks: BS Asahi
- Alternative Titles: Worlds Apart (US), Ikoku Nikki (JP)
- Production Companies: Shuka, Pony Canyon, ABC Animation, movic, BS Asahi, Tokyo MX
- Production Countries: Japan
Journal with Witch - Plot
Reclusive novelist Makio Koudai has always preferred the company of books—but when her sister and brother-in-law pass away, Makio unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her 15-year-old niece, Asa Takumi. As they navigate grief, clashing personalities, and the challenges of living together, the two slowly open their hearts to each other, discovering warmth, understanding, and the meaning of family.
Journal with Witch - Trailer
See the world of Journal with Witch come to life in the official trailer below.
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Journal with Witch - Cast & Crew
Writers
- Kohei Kiyasu
Main Cast
- Miyuki Sawashiro
- Fuko Mori
- Sayaka Ohara
- Junichi Suwabe
- Sumire Morohoshi
- Eriko Matsui
- Mayumi Asano
- Hisako Kanemoto
- Sanae Kobayashi
- Yuji Kameyama
Journal with Witch - FAQs
Is Journal with Witch based on a manga?
Journal with Witch is adapted from the manga series 違国日記 (Ikoku Nikki) by Yamashita Tomoko, which was serialized in the josei manga magazine FEEL YOUNG. The manga earned widespread acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of grief, identity, and the unlikely bond between an introverted aunt and her teenage niece.
What is Journal with Witch about?
Reclusive novelist Makio Koudai becomes the unexpected guardian of her 15-year-old niece Asa Takumi after a family tragedy. Despite their clashing personalities, the two slowly open up to each other, navigating grief and the awkward, tender process of building a new kind of family from scratch.
Where can you stream Journal with Witch?
Journal with Witch is available to stream on Crunchyroll, including through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. Both options offer the series as part of a flatrate subscription, making it easy to watch alongside other simulcast anime titles.
Who voices the main characters in Journal with Witch?
Miyuki Sawashiro voices the introverted novelist Makio Kodai, while Fuko Mori brings her teenage niece Asa Takumi to life. The supporting cast includes Sayaka Ohara, Junichi Suwabe, and Sumire Morohoshi, lending the series a rich and expressive vocal ensemble.
Who composed the music for Journal with Witch?
The score for Journal with Witch was composed by Kensuke Ushio, celebrated for his emotionally resonant work on A Silent Voice and Ping Pong the Animation. His atmospheric, introspective style is a natural fit for the series' quiet, character-driven tone.
How many episodes does Journal with Witch have?
Journal with Witch consists of 13 episodes across its first season, with each episode running approximately 24 minutes. The series premiered on January 4, 2026, and is currently airing on BS Asahi in Japan while streaming internationally on Crunchyroll.
What makes Journal with Witch worth watching?
Journal with Witch stands out for its emotionally honest storytelling and beautifully restrained character dynamics. Rather than relying on melodrama, it finds power in quiet moments — two people learning to coexist, grieve, and grow. Fans of thoughtful, slice-of-life drama will find it deeply rewarding.
What anime series are similar to Journal with Witch?
If Journal with Witch resonates with you, consider My Happy Marriage (2023) for its emotional depth, Bibliophile Princess (2022) for its literary atmosphere, or Maison Ikkoku (1986) for its heartfelt character relationships. Bakuman (2010) also shares the series' focus on the creative writing world.
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